Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Balls
There’s something utterly joyful about a bite-sized dessert that manages to be creamy, crunchy, and bright with fresh fruit all at once. These Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Balls marry the rich tang of cream cheese and the bittersweet crunch of Oreo crumbs with the sunlit sweetness of fresh strawberries. Imagine the aroma of white chocolate warming in a bowl, the first cool, velvety bite giving way to tender strawberry flecks and a whisper of cookie — each ball a tiny, celebratory moment.
This recipe is perfect when you want an impressive yet effortless sweet: bring them to potlucks, tuck them into lunchboxes as a special treat, serve them at holiday gatherings, or keep a stash chilled for last-minute guests. If you love the idea of nostalgic Oreo treats but want something fresh and shareable, these are for you — and if you enjoy cheesecake flavors in new forms, try this playful cousin to larger cheesecakes like this Chocolate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake for a special occasion.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling/freezing time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
- Total Time: ~1 hour (includes freezing and chocolate setting)
- Servings: Makes about 24 small balls (serving = 1 ball)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and kids with supervision
Nutrition Highlights
Per serving (1 ball). These are approximate values calculated from ingredient-standard nutrition data (USDA FoodData Central and typical manufacturer labels). Values will vary slightly by brand and exact measurements.
- Calories: ~153 kcal
- Protein: ~2.0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~17.5 g
- Sugars: ~12–14 g
- Fiber: ~0.5–1 g
- Total Fat: ~9.0 g
- Saturated Fat: ~5–6 g
- Sodium: ~55–85 mg
Notes on calculations and health context:
- Estimates above combine typical nutrition values for Oreo cookies, full-fat cream cheese, white chocolate, and strawberries from USDA FoodData Central and common product labels. If you want lower-calorie or lower-fat options, see the Variations and FAQ below for swaps. For guidance on balancing treats within a healthy diet, trusted resources include the USDA and Mayo Clinic guidance on portion control and saturated fat limits.
Why You’ll Love It
- Flavor & Texture: Each ball pairs the luscious tang of cream cheese with the crunchy, chocolate-cocoa notes of Oreo crumbs, brightened by tiny bursts of strawberry. Dipped in white chocolate, they finish with a glossy, sweet shell and a satisfying snap.
- Ease & Speed: No baking, minimal assembly, and the freezer does the hard work. Great for last-minute dessert needs or batch-making ahead.
- Social & Seasonal: These are crowd-pleasers at showers, children’s parties, and holiday cookie trays. The strawberry addition makes them feel especially fresh in spring and summer.
- Nostalgia + Novelty: For people who love Oreos or cheesecake, these compress beloved flavors into an irresistible, shareable bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies (standard pack, about 14.3 oz / ~36 cookies)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (about 150 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate, melted (approx. 170 g white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate)
- Sprinkles or crushed Oreos for coating (optional)
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Use light or Neufchâtel cream cheese to reduce fat/calories.
- For more intense chocolate contrast, swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate.
- To make gluten-free: use gluten-free sandwich cookies in place of Oreos.
- To make vegan/dairy-free: use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate (see Variations).
Method
- Prepare your workspace: line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Crush Oreo cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos, softened cream cheese, finely chopped strawberries, and vanilla extract. Mix until uniformly combined and the mixture can hold shape. Avoid overmixing — it can make the balls too wet.
- Roll the mixture into small, even balls (about 1 inch diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes, or until firm. This helps them keep their shape during dipping.
- Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts until smooth.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted white chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off. Use a fork or dipping tool.
- Immediately roll or sprinkle with sprinkles or crushed Oreos for coating if desired.
- Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set (about 15–30 minutes).
- Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Practical tips:
- If strawberries release too much liquid, squeeze excess moisture on paper towels before mixing.
- Chill balls well before dipping — warm centers can crack chocolate.
- Melt chocolate slowly and avoid water contact, which can seize white chocolate.
Best Pairings
- Serve plain on a small dessert platter or as part of a cookie tray.
- Pair with afternoon coffee or a light tea (green or jasmine) to balance sweetness.
- Add to dessert boards alongside fresh berries, shortbread, and mini cupcakes.
- For a brunch twist, offer alongside fruit salad and flaky pastries.
- For a playful presentation, thread them on skewers alternating with fresh strawberry halves.
- Try a nostalgic sandwich-style pairing inspired by handheld desserts like Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a creative brunch spread.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Room temperature: Not recommended for more than 1–2 hours (cream cheese is perishable).
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving.
Expert Tips
- Texture control: If your mixture feels too soft to roll, add a few more crushed cookies (or chill the mixture briefly) — moisture from strawberries can vary.
- Strawberry prep: Very ripe strawberries are sweet but can be watery. If using exceptionally ripe berries, gently pat them dry or use slightly less.
- Chocolate coating: Tempering white chocolate gives the most stable, glossy finish, but simply melting and cooling slightly before dipping is sufficient for home use.
- Portioning: A small cookie scoop makes uniformly sized balls quick and tidy.
- Make-ahead hack: Freeze dipped balls on the tray, then transfer to a lined container — they’ll keep their shape and are easy to pop out for guests.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- Dark Chocolate & Mint Twist
- Replace white chocolate with tempered dark chocolate and add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the mixture for a minty finish.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free sandwich cookies, dairy-free cream cheese (like almond or cashew-based), and vegan white chocolate. Freeze as directed and dip in vegan chocolate.
- Lemon-Strawberry Brightness
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the mixture and dip in white chocolate tinted with a drop of lemon oil or more zest. This adds a citrus lift that pairs beautifully with strawberry.
- Boozy Adult Version
- Mix 1–2 teaspoons of Chambord or strawberry liqueur into the cream cheese mixture (reduce strawberry moisture accordingly) for a grown-up twist.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought crushed cookies instead of crushing them myself?
A: Yes; pre-crumbled cookies or cookie crumbs work fine. Make sure the texture is fine so the balls hold together.
Q: My mixture is too wet — how do I fix it?
A: Add a few tablespoons of extra crushed Oreos or chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes. You can also reduce the chopped strawberry amount slightly.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent chocolate from cracking after dipping?
A: Chill balls thoroughly before dipping and allow excess chocolate to drip off. Refrigerate after dipping and avoid rapid temperature changes.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes — make and freeze them up to 3 months ahead. Thaw in the fridge a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
Small, elegant, and unfussy, Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Balls are a delightful way to bring cheesecake flavor into bite-sized form. They’re adaptable, easy to make ahead, and always vanish quickly at gatherings — a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. If you want more inspiration or alternative takes on Oreo-cheesecake confections, check out this Butter with a Side of STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE OREO BALLS and this Strawberry Cheesecake Oreo Truffles (Gluten-free + Dairy-free) for more flavor ideas.
Happy rolling — I’d love to see your photos and variations, so please share your results or questions in the comments!
Print
Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Balls
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized desserts packed with creamy cheesecake, crunchy Oreos, and fresh strawberries, all coated in white chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies (about 14.3 oz / ~36 cookies)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped (about 150 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate, melted (approx. 170 g white chocolate chips)
- Sprinkles or crushed Oreos for coating (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Crush Oreo cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos, softened cream cheese, chopped strawberries, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, letting excess drip off, and coat with sprinkles or crushed Oreos if desired.
- Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and refrigerate until chocolate is set (about 15–30 minutes).
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
If using very ripe strawberries, pat them dry before mixing. Chill balls well before dipping to avoid cracking the chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 153
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17.5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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